Bolthole Index

Giles County, Tennessee

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Giles County, Tennessee

75Index Score / 100
#33 of 95 in Tennessee

Unincorporated Giles County, Tennessee has no countywide zoning, but covered residential construction still needs a state residential building permit, which the Giles County Clerk processes123. Inside Ardmore, Elkton, Minor Hill, Lynnville and Pulaski, city codes apply instead4. Septic permits come from TDEC, not the county or the cities5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered residential construction in unincorporated areas2
Building code
State residential program applies to covered homes and townhouses6
County zoning
No countywide zoning; cities regulate property inside city limits1
Septic
TDEC permit required before installation or repair7
Owner-builder
Allowed for an owner-use residence under state conditions8
RV or tiny-home living
Countywide occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask the County Clerk and TDEC910
Floodplain
County floodplain rules apply in FEMA-identified floodplains11

Who to call

Building permits

Giles County Clerk

Processes Tennessee residential building permits and answers local building-permit questions

931-363-1509

wkimbrough@gilescountytn.gov

222 W. Madison Street – Pulaski, TN 38478

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Giles County Regional Planning Commission

Subdivision standards, development questions and county floodplain information

931-363-5300

222 W. Madison Street, Pulaski, TN 38478

Septic permits

TDEC Columbia Environmental Field Office

Division of Water Resources contact for septic-related services in Giles County

(931) 380-3371

Columbia.EFO_ADM@tn.gov

1421 Hampshire Pike, Suite 100, Columbia, TN 38401

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Giles County Highway Department

County road and bridge questions; ask about access from a county-maintained road

931-363-1635

GilesHwy@gilescountytn.gov

400 Bennett Drive, Pulaski, TN 38478

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Giles County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Giles County, Tennessee?

Yes. A state residential building permit is required for covered residential construction in unincorporated Giles County.2 The program covers one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses and uses the state residential and energy codes.6 Detached garages, sheds, barns and other detached structures not used for living purposes do not require the state residential permit.12 A manufactured or modular home itself does not require that residential permit, but custom exit work such as a deck, patio or stoop does.12

The building permit does not replace septic, electrical, floodplain, grading, sewer or other approvals that may apply to the site.2 State-permitted work receives foundation, framing or rough-in, and final inspections, with plumbing and mechanical inspection included under the stated conditions.13 Permit fees vary with the cost of construction, and the Giles County Clerk says the cost depends on expected construction cost and type of foundation; new construction also carries a $100 plumbing and HVAC inspection fee14. An owner may build a single residence for their own use without a contractor license once every 24 months, as long as it is not for resale, lease or rent8.

Who handles Giles County building permits and inspections?

The Giles County Clerk processes Tennessee building permits and is the local permit counter for questions about a residential project.3 A permit may also be purchased through Tennessee's CORE system, and inspections are requested through that system.12 State-contracted inspectors perform the required inspections for work under the state program.13

Before applying, tell the Clerk whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside Ardmore, Elkton, Minor Hill, Lynnville or Pulaski, because property inside those cities follows city codes and regulations rather than county land controls.1 The county's Regional Planning Commission is the contact for subdivision standards, development questions and floodplain information in unincorporated Giles County.15 If the land must be subdivided, Giles County Subdivision Standards apply.15

Does Giles County, Tennessee have zoning?

Giles County has no countywide zoning, and unincorporated areas are not subject to county zoning regulations.1 That does not make a parcel regulation-free: deed restrictions and applicable state and federal requirements can still control a project.15 Incorporated-city property follows that city's codes and regulations.1

The absence of countywide zoning does not remove the state residential building-permit requirement, septic approval or the county's floodplain rules.2711 Giles County enforces floodplain-development regulations in FEMA-identified floodplains.11 Because the county has no zoning, it sets no zoning minimum dwelling size, lot size, lot coverage or building height in unincorporated areas, though building-code, septic, floodplain, subdivision and deed-restriction rules still apply.16171819 Where a tract is subdivided under the Giles County Subdivision Standards, residential setback lines are 35 feet at the front and 10 feet at the side; the standards do not reach tracts of five acres or larger that need no new roads, easements or utilities.2021

How do septic permits work in Giles County?

TDEC, not the county or a city, requires a Septic System Construction Permit before a subsurface sewage system is installed or an existing faulty system is repaired, and it is separate from the state residential building permit.5 The fee for a new conventional system is $400 for a design flow up to 1000 gallons per day.7 The TDEC Columbia Environmental Field Office serves Giles County and can route septic-service questions through its Division of Water Resources staff.22 A permitted installation receives a final inspection before the system is covered, and TDEC issues a Certificate of Completion after approval.23

Only 15.4% of mapped Giles County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a house site will work.24 TDEC may require soil information, and larger conventional or alternative systems require an engineer's design under the state process.7 A qualifying utility may instead require a building on an abutting parcel to connect to an available sanitary sewer, but no countywide Giles County connection rule was confirmed.25

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Giles County?

Giles County's lack of countywide zoning does not by itself confirm that full-time RV living or every tiny-home setup is legal on an unincorporated parcel.1 We could not confirm a countywide RV-occupancy rule, tiny-home minimum size or off-grid sanitation rule, so ask the County Clerk about the structure and TDEC about the proposed wastewater method before buying.322

A tiny home built as a dwelling can fall within the state residential permit program, while detached structures not used for living purposes are outside the state residential permit requirement.12 Manufactured and modular homes generally do not require the state residential permit for the unit itself, although custom site work used to exit the home does require a permit.12 Property inside an incorporated city is governed by that city's codes and regulations, so the county answer cannot be carried into city limits.1

How do you build a home in Giles County?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a city; city property follows city codes, while unincorporated property has no countywide zoning.1
  2. Ask the Regional Planning Commission whether subdivision standards or FEMA-identified floodplain rules affect the tract.1511
  3. Have TDEC evaluate the wastewater plan and obtain the septic construction permit before installation or repair.7
  4. Purchase the state residential building permit through the Giles County Clerk or Tennessee's online system.312
  5. Arrange the required foundation, framing or rough-in, and final inspections before covering work.13
  6. If a driveway connects to state highway right-of-way, obtain the required TDOT highway entrance permit; ask the Giles County Highway Department about access from a county road.2627
  7. Confirm final septic approval and ask the County Clerk whether any separate occupancy documentation applies to the project.233

What should you check before buying land in Giles County?

Start with wastewater and terrain. Only 15.4% of mapped soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, while 57.7% of county land has a slope of 15% or less.2428 Ask TDEC about septic feasibility for the exact homesite before the inspection period ends.22

Check the FEMA flood map and ask the Regional Planning Commission whether the proposed development lies in the county's regulated floodplain area.11 Confirm legal road access separately; a driveway on state highway right-of-way needs a TDOT permit, while county-road questions go to the Highway Department.2627 Review the deed for private restrictions because the absence of countywide zoning does not remove them.15 Finally, verify water and sewer availability with the serving utility, since we could not confirm a countywide connection rule for unincorporated Giles County.25

Watch-outs

  • No countywide zoning does not mean no permits: covered residential construction still needs the Tennessee state permit, and septic approval is separate.27
  • A parcel inside Ardmore, Elkton, Minor Hill, Lynnville or Pulaski follows city codes and regulations, not the county's unincorporated-area zoning answer.1
  • Only 15.4% of mapped soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so verify a workable wastewater site before closing.24
  • Giles County's general residential certificate-of-occupancy requirement could not be confirmed; ask the County Clerk what final documentation applies to the specific project.3

Sources

  1. Giles County Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  2. Apply for a Residential Permit, quoted and re-checked
  3. Giles County Clerk (gilescountytn.gov)
  4. Giles County Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  5. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System (SSDS) Permits, quoted and re-checked
  6. Residential Permits, quoted and re-checked
  7. Septic System Construction Permit (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  9. Giles County Regional Planning Commission (2026 county census)
  10. TDEC - Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) (2026 county census)
  11. Giles County Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  12. Residential Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Residential Permits, quoted and re-checked
  14. Giles County Court Clerk, quoted and re-checked
  15. Giles County Regional Planning Commission (gilescountytn.gov)
  16. Giles County Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  17. Giles County Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  18. Giles County Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  19. Giles County Regional Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  20. Subdivision Standards of Giles County, TN, quoted and re-checked
  21. Subdivision Standards of Giles County, TN, quoted and re-checked
  22. TDEC Columbia Environmental Field Office (tn.gov)
  23. tn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Utility Customers Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Highway Entrance Permits (Tennessee statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Giles County Highway Department (gilescountytn.gov)
  28. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Giles County has no countywide zoning.

RuleGiles CountyLawrence CountyLincoln CountyMarshall CountyMaury CountyLewis CountyMoore County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredLimited
County zoningNoYesYesYesYesNoYes
Septic permitsTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDECTDEC

County locator

Giles County in Tennessee

75
County map
Giles County highlighted among the Tennessee counties · colored by Index score

How Giles County scores

Seclusion46100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency73100% ev.
Admin Boringness64100% ev.
Durability63100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$262kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$5,260Land / acre
57.8"Annual rain
7% of yrsSevere drought
9.4 / yr (+8.7)Mid-century 100°F days
14.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.69" (+7.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.5×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,665Home insurance / yr
-0.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.05%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
38,749People within 30 min
3,493,153People within 2 hr
50,381Radius comparison (15 mi)
50.3People / sq mi
0%Federal land
57.7%Land at 15% slope or less
15.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
58,881 acWorkable land screen
59.7%Wooded land
50.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Giles County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Ardmore · Elkton · Town of Lynnville · Minor Hill · Pulaski

Answers from the rulebook for Giles County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Giles County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Countywide zoning in Giles County.

    • The official county page states that Giles County has no countywide zoning.
    • Property in incorporated cities is governed by city codes and regulations.
    “While Giles County has no countywide zoning”
  • Local zoningAbsent

    County zoning regulations in unincorporated Giles County.

    • Property within the city limits of Ardmore, Elkton, Minor Hill, Lynnville, and Pulaski is not regulated by the County and must comply with city codes and regulations.
    • Floodplain development regulations apply in the 100-year floodplains identified by FEMA.
    • Deed restrictions and applicable state and federal regulations remain applicable.
    “The unincorporated areas of Giles County are not subject to zoning regulations.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published

    County zoning districts in unincorporated Giles County.

    • The county states that unincorporated areas are not subject to zoning regulations.
    • Incorporated municipalities may publish and enforce their own zoning districts.
    “The unincorporated areas of Giles County are not subject to zoning regulations.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning minimum dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Giles County.

    • This absence is limited to county zoning; building-code, septic, floodplain, deed-restriction, state, federal, and municipal requirements may still apply.
    • Incorporated city limits are outside this county claim.
    “The unincorporated areas of Giles County are not subject to zoning regulations.”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning minimum lot-size requirements in unincorporated Giles County.

    • The subdivision standards define certain subdivisions to include divisions of less than five acres and contain applicability exceptions; that definition is not a general minimum lot-size zoning requirement.
    • This absence is limited to county zoning; septic, subdivision, floodplain, deed-restriction, state, federal, and municipal requirements may still apply.
    “While Giles County has no countywide zoning, property owners in unincorporated areas of the county remain subject to any deed restrictions, along with all applicable state and federal regulations, e.g. construction of towers, septic tanks, airfields, agricultural projects, etc.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential building setback lines within subdivisions governed by the Giles County Subdivision Standards in unincorporated Giles County.

    • The standards govern subdivisions in unincorporated areas and do not apply to tracts or divisions of five acres or larger that do not involve construction of roads, access easements, or utilities, nor to testamentary divisions or owner partitions described in Section 4.b.
    • The source states these are minimum depths of residential building setback lines.

    front-yard setback: 35 feet · side-yard setback: 10 feet

    “Setback Requirements: The minimum depth of residential building setback lines shall be as follows. i. Front Yard – 35 feet ii. Side Yard - 10 feet”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Giles County.

    • This absence is limited to county zoning; subdivision, floodplain, septic, deed-restriction, state, federal, and municipal requirements may still apply.
    • Incorporated city limits are outside this county claim.
    “The unincorporated areas of Giles County are not subject to zoning regulations.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning building-height requirements in unincorporated Giles County.

    • This absence is limited to county zoning; building-code, floodplain, deed-restriction, state, federal, and municipal requirements may still apply.
    • Incorporated city limits are outside this county claim.
    “The unincorporated areas of Giles County are not subject to zoning regulations.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Giles County: no county rule sets this, because Giles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The official county page states that Giles County has no countywide zoning.
    • Property in incorporated cities is governed by city codes and regulations.
    “While Giles County has no countywide zoning”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Giles County: no county rule sets this, because Giles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The official county page states that Giles County has no countywide zoning.
    • Property in incorporated cities is governed by city codes and regulations.
    “While Giles County has no countywide zoning”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Giles County: no county rule sets this, because Giles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The official county page states that Giles County has no countywide zoning.
    • Property in incorporated cities is governed by city codes and regulations.
    “While Giles County has no countywide zoning”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Giles County: no county rule sets this, because Giles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The official county page states that Giles County has no countywide zoning.
    • Property in incorporated cities is governed by city codes and regulations.
    “While Giles County has no countywide zoning”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawUnrestricted

    Unincorporated Giles County: no county rule sets this, because Giles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • The official county page states that Giles County has no countywide zoning.
    • Property in incorporated cities is governed by city codes and regulations.
    “While Giles County has no countywide zoning”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in unincorporated Giles County under the Giles County Regional Planning Commission Subdivision Standards.

    • The standards apply to divisions of a tract into two or more lots, sites, or divisions requiring new streets or utility construction, or any division of less than five acres for sale or building development, including re-subdivision.
    • They do not apply to tracts or divisions of five acres or larger without roads, access easements, or utilities; testamentary divisions; or owner partitions, subject to the plat-filing language in Section 4.b.
    • A plat requires final written RPC approval before it may be recorded.

    preliminary-plat submission lead time: 15 calendar days before meeting · final-plat submission lead time: 15 calendar days before meeting · final-plat decision period: 60 days after submission (Failure of the Planning Commission to act within sixty days is deemed approval.) · surety bond or letter of credit: 120 percent of estimated project cost (Required before preliminary plat signing and before improvements.)

    “These standards shall govern all subdivision of land within all unincorporated areas of Giles County, Tennessee.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways, entrances, curb cuts, and other ingress or egress points shown on subdivision plats in unincorporated Giles County.

    • The points of access must comply with Giles County Highway Department rules, regulations, and policies.
    • Driveway entrance culverts must be at least 15 inches in diameter; larger culverts may be required depending on slopes and drainage areas at the Road Superintendent's discretion.
    • This claim concerns access shown on subdivision plats, not every driveway countywide.

    minimum driveway entrance culvert diameter: >= 15 inches (Larger culverts may be necessary depending on slopes and drainage areas.)

    “Driveways, entrances, curb cuts or other points of ingress and egress to the lots shown on the plat shall be in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of the Giles County Highway Department. All culverts at driveway entrances shall have a minimum diameter of 15”. Depending on slopes and drainage areas, larger culverts may be necessary at the discretion of the Road Superintendent.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Floodplain development in unincorporated Giles County.

    • The county states that floodplain development regulations are enforced only in 100-year floodplains identified by FEMA.
    • The state residential permit does not itself determine floodplain compliance.

    regulated floodplain: 100-year FEMA-identified floodplains

    “regulations regarding floodplain development, which is only enforced in the 100-year floodplains as identified by FEMA.”

Tennessee rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    State residential building permits for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Tennessee jurisdictions where the State Fire Marshal's Office administers the residential building permit program.

    • The state permit is required only in some areas because other jurisdictions may enforce local residential building codes.
    • A county legislative body may remove unincorporated areas from the state program or a city legislative body may remove the city by a two-thirds vote.
    • The state permit does not replace grading or fill approval, floodplain compliance, septic or sewer permits, electrical permits, or zoning approval.
    • Local governments remain responsible for locally adopted codes and other requirements.
    “Why is the state residential building permit only required in some areas of the state?”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential construction in unincorporated Giles County covered by the State Residential Building Program.
      “A state residential building permit is required”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A Tennessee property owner constructing a single residence for the owner's individual use.

    • The owner may have one permit every two years.
    • The residence must not be for sale, lease, or rent.
    • If the owner hires a contractor, the contractor is a prime and must be licensed and obtain the building permit for inspections.
    • Contracts may not be split into phases to circumvent the licensing law.
    • Anyone paid more than $25,000 by the owner is considered a prime and must be licensed.
    • The exemption is based on TCA 62-6-103 and Rule 0680-1-.22.

    owner permits: per 1 permit per two years · contractor payment threshold: > 25000 USD (Anyone paid in excess of this amount is considered a prime and must be licensed.)

    “one permit every two years to build their home as long as it is not for sale, lease, or rent (individual use).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Owner construction of a single residence in Giles County.
      “an owner of property may construct a single residence once every two years for his/her own use”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office residential building-code standards for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes statewide, except where a qualifying local government enforces its own current residential code or has opted out.

    • The State Fire Marshal's Office has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code with amendments.
    • For one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes, the adopted energy code is the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments.
    • The statewide program applies only in areas that have not received an exemption from the State Fire Marshal's Office because local building codes are enforced by the local government or opted out of state residential building codes and enforcement by a two-thirds vote of the city or county legislative body.
    • A qualifying local jurisdiction may continue operating its own program if its building code is current within seven years of the most recent edition; other versions may be approved in writing by the State Fire Marshal's Office.
    • A county legislative body may vote to remove unincorporated areas of the county from the state program, and a city legislative body may vote to remove the city from the state program.
    • A city or county may opt out by passage, by a two-thirds vote, of a resolution exempting the city or county; the opt-out resolution expires 180 days following the date of the election for the city or county's legislative body.
    • If the subsequent legislative body does not vote to opt out before the resolution expires, the State Fire Marshal's Office begins enforcing the residential building-code requirements until the city or county enforces residential building codes or passes another opt-out resolution.
    • The State Fire Marshal's Office enforces only the codes it adopts; local governments enforce other locally adopted codes or requirements.
    • The state residential building permit is a building permit only and is not grading or fill approval, floodplain compliance, a septic or sewer permit, an electrical permit, or zoning approval.
    • The permit fee is based on the cost of construction and covers all required inspections and one free re-inspection; additional re-inspections cost $100 each.

    International Residential Code edition: 2018 (with amendments) · International Energy Conservation Code edition for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes: 2018 (with amendments) · local-code currency window: <= 7 years (other versions can be approved in writing by the State Fire Marshal's Office) · opt-out vote: two-thirds vote (resolution expires 180 days following the date of the election for the city or county's legislative body) · additional re-inspection fee: 100 USD (one re-inspection per permit is free)

    “The codes currently adopted by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office are: [...] International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 edition, published by the ICC, with amendments;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Giles County areas covered by the State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program.
      “The state has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).”
  • InspectionsRequired

    State-permitted one- and two-family residential construction in Giles County.

    • Foundation, rough-in/framing, and final inspections are required.
    • Plumbing and mechanical inspections are required at rough-in and final for permits purchased on or after October 1, 2011.
    • A slab inspection is additionally required when a living-space slab and footing are cast separately.
    • One re-inspection is free; additional re-inspections cost $100 each.
    • Any inspection may be waived with a qualifying architect or engineer inspection letter.

    additional re-inspection fee: 100 USD (Second or subsequent re-inspection)

    “Inspections are performed by state contracted inspectors.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy for one- and two-family dwellings in Tennessee opt-out or non-code jurisdictions when the State Fire Marshal's Office inspects the dwelling during construction.

    • The owner or contractor may obtain a state building permit to request the inspection.
    • The Certificate of Occupancy is released only if the dwelling is determined to meet statewide building construction safety standards.
    • The source describes this process for opt-out or non-code jurisdictions and for new construction or additions to existing homes.
    “determined to meet the statewide building construction safety standards, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will release a Certificate of Occupancy”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Tennessee subsurface sewage disposal system construction permitting and related SSDS administration statewide.

    • The Tennessee Division of Water Resources administers SSDS permitting in non-contract counties.
    • Permit packages and Certificate of Completion packages for sites in contract counties are submitted directly to the contract county.
    • The listed contract counties are Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Jefferson, Knox, Madison, Sevier, Shelby, and Williamson.
    • Installer permits are valid statewide, but contract counties may require an additional permit.
    “Permit packages and Certificate of Completion Packages for sites located in the contract counties listed below should be submitted directly to the contract county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Statewide subsurface sewage disposal system permitting and assistance, with specified contract counties providing ground water protection services in their own areas.
      “NOTE: Some counties provide ground water protection services for their own areas. The online application form is not to be submitted for services requested in the following metropolitan or contact counties: Blount County, Davidson County/Nashville, Hamilton County, Jefferson County, Knox County, Madison County, Sevier County, Shelby County, Williamson County.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, modification, or repair of residential, commercial, or industrial septic systems in Tennessee.

    • A permit is required before construction, modification, or repair.
    • A septic system permit should be obtained before starting dirt work or construction of any building, including the building pad.
    • Repair permits have no permit fee.
    • Alternative systems require an extra-high intensity soils map prepared by a Tennessee-licensed soils consultant.
    • Contract counties may require an additional permit.

    new conventional SSDS permit fee: 400 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($100 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · new alternative SSDS permit fee: 500 USD up to 1000 gallons per day design flow ($150 for each additional 1000 gpd flow) · experimental SSDS permit fee: 500 USD · repair permit fee: 0 USD (Repair construction inspection fee is $100)

    “A septic system permit is required for the construction, modification or repair of a septic system. This permit ensures that the septic system design complies with state regulations and safeguards your health by properly managing wastewater.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of a septic system or repair of an existing faulty septic system in Giles County.
      “Any individual or property owner who desires to have a subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system installed on their property or requiring repair to an existing faulty system must get a Septic System Construction Permit.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of subsurface sewage disposal systems in Tennessee.

    • The installer must notify the Division when installation is complete.
    • A final inspection is scheduled before the system is covered.
    • TDEC inspects each SSDS installation for compliance with permit conditions and regulatory requirements.
    • Inspection fees vary by system type: $100 for new conventional or large-diameter graveless pipe systems, $200 for alternative systems, and $100 for repair construction inspections.

    new conventional construction inspection fee: 100 USD · alternative construction inspection fee: 200 USD · repair construction inspection fee: 100 USD

    “The applicant or SSDS installer must notify the Division when a system has been installed so that it can be inspected and approved.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permitted septic installations in Giles County.
      “When installation is complete, the installer will contact the local Environmental Scientist to schedule a final inspection before the system is covered.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Connection of buildings to sanitary sewer systems where a qualifying Tennessee utility system has issued bonds payable for sewer services and the property abuts a street or public way containing a sanitary sewer.

    • The property must abut a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer.
    • A building must exist on the lot or parcel for residential, commercial, or industrial use.
    • The utility system may require connection and cessation of other sewage-disposal methods.
    • For electrical service, written notification must show public sewer service, a septic permit application, or an existing septic system.
    “Utility systems within the State of Tennessee that have issued bonds payable for sewer services are granted authority in TCA § 7-35-201 (1) to "require the owner tenant or occupant of each lot or parcel of land that abuts upon a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer and upon which lot or parcel a building exists for residential, commercial or industrial use, to connect the building with the sanitary sewer and to cease to use any other means for the disposal of sewage, sewage waste or other polluting matter."”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Residential, commercial, or industrial buildings on lots or parcels abutting a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer, where the applicable Tennessee utility system has issued bonds payable for sewer services.
      “Utility systems within the State of Tennessee that have issued bonds payable for sewer services are granted authority in TCA § 7-35-201 (1) to "require the owner tenant or occupant of each lot or parcel of land that abuts upon a street or other public way containing a sanitary sewer and upon which lot or parcel a building exists for residential, commercial or industrial use, to connect the building with the sanitary sewer and to cease to use any other means for the disposal of sewage, sewage waste or other polluting matter."”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Buildings or structures on land used for agricultural purposes and subject to county zoning regulation in Tennessee.

    • The building or structure must be located on lands devoted to agricultural uses.
    • The building or structure must be incidental to the agricultural enterprise.
    • The exemption does not apply to agricultural lands adjacent or in proximity to state or federal-aid highways, public airports, or public parks.
    • The exemption does not apply to land located within the one-hundred-year flood plain.
    • The Attorney General opinion states that the provision applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.
    • There is no blanket exemption for cotton gins, grain elevators, slaughterhouses, processing plants, or milk bottling plants; those structures qualify only when the statutory conditions are met.
    “it must be located on lands “devoted to agricultural uses;” and (2) it must be “incidental to the agricultural enterprise.””
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Residential building permit fees for construction in Giles County subject to Tennessee's state residential building-permit system.

    • Tennessee residential permit fees vary with the cost of construction.
    • The cost of construction cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot of construction.
    • An HVAC and Plumbing Inspection is required for all new construction, with an additional $100 fee shown in the state fee schedule.
    • A slab other than a monolith pour requires an additional inspection fee when the slab and footing are cast separately, with an additional $100 fee shown in the state fee schedule.
    • For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table, there is an additional fee of $50.00 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof.
    • The Giles County Clerk states that Tennessee building permits are processed through the County Clerk's office and that permit cost varies depending on actual expected construction cost and type of foundation.

    residential permit fee for cost of construction $0 to $5,000: 100 USD · residential permit fee for cost of construction $5,001 to $100,000: 350 USD · residential permit fee for cost of construction $100,001 to $150,000: 400 USD · additional plumbing and HVAC inspection fee: 100 USD (Required for all new construction) · additional slab inspection fee: 100 USD (Required when slab and footing are cast separately) · fee above listed maximum: per 50 USD (Each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof)

    “NOTE: For construction costs above the maximum listed in the table below there is an additional fee of $50.00 for each additional $50,000 or fraction thereof. [...] $0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100 $100,001 to $150,000 | $400 | $100 | $100 [...] * The cost of construction cannot be less than $60.57 per heated square foot of construction ** An HVAC and Plumbing Inspection is required for all new construction *** Slab other than Monolith Pour Inspection is required when slab and footing are cast separately”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential building permits administered by Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses where the state program applies.
      “$0 to $5,000 | $100 | $100 | $100 $5,001 to $100,000 | $350 | $100 | $100”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential permit purchase and inspection process under Tennessee's State Residential Building Code Enforcement Program.

    • The state program applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses only in areas without the stated local-code exemption or opt-out.
    • A first-time CORE user must register for an account.
    • A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent.
    • Inspections cover the foundation before pouring, framing/rough-in construction, and final construction.
    • One free re-inspection is available; each additional re-inspection requires an additional fee.
    • A homeowner may build a home only if it will be the homeowner's residence, not sold or leased, and the homeowner has not received a homeowner building permit during the preceding 24 months.
    • Detached garages, sheds, barns, and other detached structures not used for living purposes do not require a state residential building permit.
    • A permit is not required for installation of a manufactured or modular home, but custom site work such as a deck, patio, or stoop requires a permit.

    effective date for permit requirement for additions over 30 square feet: 2011-10-01 (Applies to additions to existing homes.) · free re-inspections per project: 1 inspection (Available if a required inspection is not passed the first time.)

    “A building permit must be purchased online or at a local Issue Agent. The cost of the building permit is based on the estimated cost”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    County legislative bodies adopting zoning regulations for portions of Tennessee counties outside municipal corporations.

    • The authority is exercised under the conditions and procedures in Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 13-7-101 through 13-7-119.
    • The grant applies to portions of counties outside municipal corporations.
    • County zoning authority does not authorize county building permits or regulation of buildings or structures on agricultural land when the building or structure is incidental to the agricultural enterprise, except on agricultural lands adjacent or in proximity to state federal-aid highways, public airports or public parks.
    • The agricultural-land limitation applies to counties only and has no application to municipalities.
    “Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-7-101, et seq., the General Assembly has expressly delegated the authority to county legislative bodies to enact zoning regulations and create a board of zoning appeals.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation in unincorporated Giles County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental regulation in Giles County, including incorporated municipalities.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Giles County, Tennessee

Is Giles County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Giles County scores 75/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 57.8″/yr rainfall plus 59.7% wooded land.

Do you need a building permit in Giles County, Tennessee?

Giles County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Subsurface Sewage Disposal Program. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Giles County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Giles County is allowed: Unincorporated Giles County: no county rule sets this, because Giles County's own reviewed answer confirms it has no county-wide zoning ordinance. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. The official county page states that Giles County has no countywide zoning. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Giles County, Tennessee?

Land in Giles County runs about $5,260 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Giles County?

Giles County gets about 57.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7% of years.

How remote is Giles County?

A representative private-land location has about 38,749 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,493,153 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Giles compares in Tennessee

Compare side-by-side →See all 95 Tennessee counties ranked →